Semper Fi Society
University of Tennessee

Mission Statement

The Semper Fidelis Society at the University of Tennessee is tailored from our fellow Officer Candidates at the University of North Carolina, Chapel, Hill, North Carolina, who established this organization in 1952.

Our objective is to prepare ourselves as professional leaders in the business community or as officers in the Marine Corps. We will receive and disseminate policies, doctrines and vital information pertinent to better understanding of future responsibilities as leaders in the professional sector or as Officers in the Marne Corps. We will help to promote good fellowship and cultivation of the social virtues among our members and all others in whom we come in contact with at out University, and our community. Lastly, student members are highly involved with social functions, gatherings, and intramural sports.

Professionally, all the members participate in a rigorous physical training program. Our PT program consists of the Marine Corps daily 7-12 exercises followed by a run. This is conducted 3 times a week and is led by a different member each day to build confidence and knowledge in our non-prior service members. Our PT program also consists of conditioning hikes. In addition to the PT program, OCS preparation classes are also conducted during the spring semester in order to better prepare our members for Officer Candidates School.

Becoming a Marine Officer

Becoming an Officer in the Marine Corps requires that you complete two distinct and exacting tests. The first is Officer Candidates School (OCS), which will qualify you to be commissioned as a second lieutenant. The next step is The Basic School, where you'll spend six months developing your leadership skills and choose your occupational specialty (job). OCS is the first step to becoming a Marine Corps Officer. It is the most basic physical and mental proving ground for people who want to lead Marines. Here you will discover that there are no shortcuts to becoming an officer. Your whole reason for being here is to harden your body, test your will, and learn that overcoming hardship is largely a matter of desire. You will depend on your classmates, and they will depend on you. Fail them, and you've failed your mission. And that means you're going home left only with questions about your focus and strength. Finish this grueling test of your stamina and you'll know that you have become what others only dream of being - a Marine Corps Officer.

"Being a Marine Officer is not just about leading Marines, It's about earning their respect. Physical and mental toughness, moral courage, unselfishness, teamwork, commitment and a belief in yourself are essential to your success at OCS."

- Colonel Louis N. Rachal Former Commanding Officer, Officer Candidates School

There are several paths you can take to become a commissioned Marine Corps Officer:

Platoon Leaders Class (PLC), which you can attend during summers while you're in college.
Officer Candidates Course (OCC), which you would attend after you graduate.

The words "Semper Fidelis" mean "Always Faithful." This Latin term became the motto of the United States Marine Corps in about 1883 by the eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps, Commandant Charles McCawley. The purpose of the Semper Fidelis Society is to enhance leadership skills like the ones taught by the Marine Corps. These skills are applicable to potential military AND civilian leaders.

This organization does NOT require ANY obligation to the Armed Forces of the United States. It has been designed to help future leaders at UTK. If you have the desire to lead or to be "in charge," please contact us. This nation needs leaders like YOU in its government, corporations, and families.

For some OCS will seem overwhelming at first. Trust me, you can make it through. OCS is a challenging, overwhelming, exciting and fun time in your life. You WILL be tired, you WILL fail events and you WILL question your commitment. This is what OCS is all about. Do you have the mental fortitude to make it through? If you ever doubt yourself you need to contact me. Do not be a quitter!

CHECK OUT SOME PHOTOS OF OUR RECENT EVENTS HERE!!!

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